Nitin Gadkari Proposes ‘New Pune’ in Purandar on the Lines of Navi Mumbai.

Pune: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has urged the Maharashtra government to consider developing a 'New Pune' in Purandar taluka, similar to Navi Mumbai, to address the city's rapidly increasing population and traffic congestion. He made the proposal while inaugurating several infrastructure projects in Pune.

Highlighting the need for long-term urban planning, Gadkari said Pune has reached a stage where its population growth must be managed through planned expansion. He suggested that the proposed city should be developed near the upcoming Purandar International Airport.

"Some cities in the country have reached a point where population growth needs to be regulated. Otherwise, no matter how many roads and bridges are built, commuting will become increasingly difficult. Developing a new city towards Purandar is now essential," Gadkari said.

The minister also announced that the Pune–Shirur, Hadapsar–Yavat, and Talegaon–Shikrapur elevated highways will be built using advanced Malaysian construction technology. Unlike the conventional 30-metre pillar spacing prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress, these projects will feature 120-metre spacing between pillars, reducing both the number of pillars and overall construction costs.

These corridors will adopt a three-tier infrastructure model, with a regular road at the ground level, an elevated flyover above it, and a metro line on the topmost level. Gadkari said this integrated design would meet Pune's future transportation needs while making optimal use of available space.

He further stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to accelerate road projects worth nearly ₹50,000 crore in and around Pune over the next year. These projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion, cut travel time, and lower pollution levels. Gadkari thanked the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister for extending support in speeding up these developments.

Providing an update on regional connectivity, Gadkari said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Shirur–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Expressway, estimated at around ₹15,000 crore, is currently under preparation. Once completed, travel time from Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will reduce to approximately two hours, while the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar–Nagpur journey will take about two and a half hours, enabling travel between Pune and Nagpur in nearly four-and-a-half hours.

He also confirmed that discussions have been held with the Chief Minister to resolve pending issues related to the expressway and assured that the remaining hurdles would be addressed soon.

Responding to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar's request regarding the Nashik Phata–Khed Highway, Gadkari said the tender process is ready but construction can begin only after 100% land acquisition is completed, as required by the Finance Department. Work will commence within days once the remaining land acquisition is finalized.

Other Key Infrastructure Updates

• The second tunnel at **Khambatki Ghat** on the Pune–Satara Highway is expected to be completed within the next two months.
• The **DPR for the Nanhe–Ravet Elevated Highway** has been prepared, and construction will begin soon.
• A **second Pune–Mumbai Expressway** is planned, with tenders for the first phase expected within the next three months.
• Construction of the **Thane–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Highway** is also set to begin shortly.